More lanes often do help. When they completed the RT 222 conversion to a 4-lane limited access highway back around 2007 (delayed about 40 years), getting to Lancaster County from Reading area became much easier and faster. Also, traffic on surrounding back roads decreased. Even 15+ years later, it's still better than before.

Some don't like cars and that's fine, but more roads and lanes, on the whole, do help. Anyone doubting that should look at how long it used to take to drive across Pennsylvania before the PA turnpike and other highways, such as I-80, were built.

I remember the days before the Blue Route was built (started in the 60s and finally opened around 1990). Getting to the Philadelphia airport was a nightmare. Some will point out the nasty traffic jams on there as a proof that more highways / lanes don't help. However, the main reason for the jams around milepost 9 is due to be only 2 lanes each way instead of 3 lanes as originally proposed. Traffic on the 3-lane northern section generally moves well.

Not going to change your mind, but pointing this out for others. Many PA residents want and demand more highways. Not only that, many are willing to pay extra tolls (begrudgingly) if that's what it takes to get them built. Many people value their time and want flexibility in travel. Difficult to take camping gear or lumber on the bus. Renting a car sounds good, but is very expensive and not guaranteed (may not get a car or isn't the type expected), but I digress.